Few designers over the decades have inspired more respect from their fashion peers than Giorgio Armani. With his passing in Milan at the age of 91, fellow industry greats, from designers including Ralph Lauren and Donatella Versace to the corporate titans Bernard Arnault and Renzo Rosso, are sharing tributes.
“I have always had the deepest respect and admiration for Giorgio Armani, not only as a designer who never strayed from his vision, but as a man who loved his family and friends, and his homeland in such a special way. Though he was an icon of the world of fashion, he lived with great humility and a love of living that inspired the way he worked and the way he lived. He created a world reflecting all the things he loved with a foreverness that will be his legacy.”—Ralph Lauren
“I met Mr. Armani at 16, and a year later I started to work for Nino Cerruti/Hitman where he started his career. His world became the place where my dreams took form. His vision, his elegance, his unwavering coherence shaped me forever. Today, his passing feels less like an end than a passage into immortality. His presence remains—etched in my work, my memories, and my gratitude. My thoughts are with Leo, Silvana, and Rosanna.”—Stefano Pilati
“I feel profoundly saddened by the passing of Giorgio Armani. He created a unique style, combining light and shadow, that he developed into a large and successful entrepreneurial journey and extended Italian elegance to a global scale. He was also a true friend and admirer of France. I wish to express my sincerest sympathy to his family.”—Bernard Arnault
“The world has lost a giant today. Giorgio Armani changed history with fashion. He defined style all over the world for generations and was a true genius and a master of class and elegance. I was preparing to attend his 50th show in a few weeks because he wrote to me personally asking me to attend. He will be missed forever but his style is eternal.”—Donatella Versace
“We have learned with deep sorrow of the passing of Giorgio Armani, a Maestro recognized for his elegance and creativity, and an undisputed protagonist of Italian and international fashion. His enduring contribution will remain forever in the history of fashion and in the memory of all who admired him.”—Miuccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Giorgio Armani, a visionary whose creative genius defined elegance and sophistication in fashion. His work has inspired generations of designers around the world, and his enduring legacy will remain a cornerstone of fashion history.”—Raf Simons
“I am deeply saddened to hear of Giorgio Armani’s passing. Having also started my journey designing windows before venturing out to create my own brand, I found his story incredibly inspiring. It gives me an even greater appreciation for all that he accomplished. He not only built an empire but also shaped fashion history. He will be greatly missed, and his influence on fashion will never be forgotten.”—Jonathan Anderson
“This is a sad moment for fashion and the world. We have lost an incredible talent and a true gentleman. Nevertheless, the legacy of Giorgio Armani is monumental and will continue to live on, powerful and undisputed.”—Pierpaolo Piccioli
“Italy and the world today are in mourning for the loss of this great man. At every one of our encounters, it was always a pleasure to talk with him. He was endlessly curious, eager to learn and discover, and he had a deep knowledge not only of the fashion world but of so much more. Our conversations were always intelligent, engaging, and stimulating exchanges. His positivity and the love he brought to everything he touched and created were extraordinary. What came from the depths of his soul, from his way of thinking, was truly beautiful. He was a great icon who will be deeply missed, but thanks to everything he built, he will remain immortal. And perhaps that is the most beautiful gift he leaves us: his immortality.”—Renzo Rosso
“…Giorgio Armani was a true visionary… a true creator who did everything his way… he was so inspirational in always showing people his world… his way… he was always so true to himself… he created a world truly his own… that transcended fashion… the fashion world, and the world will miss this true genius… we should all take a moment and remember how he directly, or indirectly inspired us…”—Thom Browne
“This news saddens me deeply. Once again, I would like to thank Maestro Giorgio Armani for his enduring inspiration, for his singular vision of beauty, and for bringing the spirit and culture of Made in Italy to the world. His legacy shaped our industry and elevated us all. I will always be profoundly grateful.”—Ermenegildo (Gildo) Zegna
“I remember falling in love with Armani on the big screen when I saw American Gigolo and starting my twice-a-year collecting of perfect Armani jackets. The construction of his clothes, the fabrication and the attitude changed the way everyone dressed and is still impacting fashion today and will continue to do so. I feel privileged to have been invited to Mr. Armani’s fashion show last year here in New York. The calm, cool elegance of the collection, the room, the invitations, every detail was thought out perfectly. He exemplified modern elegance.”—Michael Kors
“Mr. Armani s profound contribution has shaped the history of fashion. A true legend, a creative and entrepreneurial mind, he led by example through passion, dedication, and unwavering meticulousness. His legacy will endure, continuing to inspire future generations. I will cherish the moments I was lucky enough to share with him; his impact has been truly significant.” —Silvia Venturini Fendi
I called Mr. Armani on his 91st birthday not long ago. I told him, “91 seems young on you,” because it truly did—he was still so full of life. He embodied momentum. He shaped this industry in ways we’ll continue to unpack for decades. Spending time with the people closest to him at the company, you could feel how deeply his presence and philosophy shaped them. Mr. Armani’s vision and aura were unmatched—he was truly one of a kind. The world lost a hero, the industry lost a titan, and I lost my North Star. I feel incredibly fortunate for the moments I was able to share with him.—Ronnie Fieg, Kith founder
“Giorgio Armani is one of the few true fashion icons I deeply respect. He was one of the reasons I started working in fashion. The way he stayed independent, kept his vision clear, and built something so timeless has had a profound impact on me. His transformation of the traditional stiff uniform into something softer and more human completely reshaped how I thought about clothing. Getting the chance to work with his archive and contribute to his world in some small way has been an honor. His approach to design, to elegance, to staying true to yourself showed what it means to build something meaningful without ever compromising.”—Cristopher Nying, Our Legacy founder